Full Time: MANCHESTER CITY 1-3 CHELSEA. A superb away day performance in the end from Chelsea who responded well to going behind to Robinho's early free-kick as they set about quietening a lively home crowd.
90
Danny Sturridge almost sets up a dramatic grandstand final few moments but is denied by a sterling block from Alex.
90
There will be three minutes of added time here.
87
City don't look like they have the ideas in them to open up this compact Chelsea backline now and the fans are starting to make their way away from the stadium.
84
Substitution
That is indeed Michael Ball's last action of the evening as he is replaced by a striker in Daniel Sturridge.
83
Good run from Ireland and he sets up a decent opportunity for Michael Ball but he curls it straight into the arms of Cech.
81
Stupidly John Terry gestured the scoreline to the home fans as he left the field and that is only risking landing himself in further trouble with the FA.
79
Substitution
Chelsea forced into a change by Terry's dismissal as Alex replaces Nicolas Anelka.
76
Red Card
John Terry has been sent off! However, it seems very very harsh as although he brought down Jo, Carvalho was covering (red card later rescinded by the FA). A chance for City again perhaps?
73
The third goal has really flattened the home crowd but Chelsea have been superb so far and have possibly shown City just how far they have to go yet.
70
Substitution
Chelsea are making a double change for the last twenty minutes as Belletti and the returning Drogba enter the fray in place of Joe Cole and Florent Malouda.
69
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-3 CHELSEA. Nicolas ANELKA finishes the argument now as he latches onto a clever through ball from Joe Cole to slide the ball past Joe Hart and give Chelsea a two-goal lead.
66
Again Chelsea able to manipulate the ball well and find Lampard in space on the edge of the box but Hart is behind this one to deny the midfielder.
64
Stunning defending from Carvalho! Wright-Phillips beats three and feeds it left for Ireland in space but Carvalho makes a lot of ground to produce a marvellous sliding block.
63
Chelsea still have to be wary of City on the attack because they are hugely unpredictable and Zabaleta finds himself on the edge of the box now but can only sky his shot comfortably over.
61
Substitution
City are making a change and its an attacking one as Dietmar Hamann is replaced by the industrious Gelson Fernandes.
61
Replays appear to suggest that Micah Richards was very fortunate there not to give away a penalty as he seemed to just shove Anelka to the ground.
60
Chelsea want a penalty and they might have a case! Lampard spots a clever, bending run from Anelka who brings it down well before being rather bundled over by Richards, but the referee is disinterested.
56
City almost in for an equaliser as Robinho robs Mikel in midfield before Jo tries to release Wright-hillips but the pass allows Ashley Cole back in to clear.
53
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-2 CHELSEA. Wright-Phillips almost finds Robinho but Chelsea instantly break with pace and precision and Frank LAMPARD fires his 150th career goal into the bottom corner to give Chelsea the lead.
50
Joe Cole has seen plenty of the ball today and his blocked shot ricochets to Lampard who can't quite keep a tough half-volley down.
48
Again it has been a bright start to the half, particularly from City who need to get the crowd back roaring behind them if they are to rock Chelsea again.
Second half
No changes for either side at the break and the second half is now underway.
Half time
Half Time: MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 CHELSEA. The home side were clearly up for the game from the start, as was their new hero Robinho, but Chelsea have gradually taken control of the game and were the better side for much of the first half.
45
A superb strike from Ashley Cole who had got a long way forward and from all of 25 yards he skims the top of the net with Hart well beaten.
45
Yellow Card
The first booking of the game goes to Jon Obi Mikel for chopping down Shaun Wright-Phillips who was on a superb little run.
42
Suicidal from Zabaleta! However he is lucky and gets away with it after blindly playing the ball across his penalty area straight to Anelka but Hart makes a good stop to bail out his team-mate.
41
Chelsea have been dominant since the goals and Malouda has yet another chance but yet again he fails miserably to find the target as he skews his header well wide.
38
After a frantic opening half hour or so the game has drifted into a bit of a lull for the time being with constant interruptions not helping proceedings.
34
More good work from City though, with the ball, as Wright-Phillips frees Jo on the right and he cuts inside to shoot only to see John Terry deflect it over.
31
The visitors are really starting to control the game now with their passing and City are having to work hard to win the ball back.
28
Big let off for City! Malouda is played on by Ball and is completely free in the box to head against the cross bar, even the rebound goes against Chelsea as it cannons back between Hart's legs and sticks like glue.
24
The football today has been a joy to behold at times already! Ireland plays it in for Jo who backheels it into the Irishman's run again but he can't keep his shot down and Chelsea escape.
23
Glorious chance for Anelka! Bosingwa cuts inside Ireland far too easily but Anelka dives towards the ball but fails to time it and heads well wide.
21
It has been a little forgotten amongst all the Robinho talk that Nicolas Anelka is returning to yet another former club - the City fans have not forgotten though as he is given a sarcastic cheer as he slices wildly.
19
Mark Hughes will be spitting feathers about conceding so quickly having taken a deserved lead but Chelsea now look in charge and comfortable having flattened the crowd somewhat.
16
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 CHELSEA. And there is the equaliser! As if on cue the ball bobbles around in the penalty area from a corner and Ricardo CARVALHO lashes is past a stranded Hart to get Chelsea level.
15
Chelsea could not avoid conceding in the opening 20 minutes then so now they are going to have to come out and try to stem the flow.
13
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 CHELSEA. It will be ROBINHO - did you think it would be anyone else? - and it's brilliant! He bends hte ball into the corner of the net and Cech is left stranded.
12
Chance for Man City now the a free-kick on the edge of the box and Hamann, Jo and Robinho are circling with intent.
10
The first effort on target comes from Chelsea and the left boot of Frank Lampard but its a tame one and Joe Hart is comfortably behind it.
6
Chelsea know they are going to have to weather a bit of a storm from City who are obviously on a high with recent events and they seem happy just to absorb for the time being.
4
Good football from the hosts and Wright-Phillips almost has a chance as he makes a darting infield run but Jo's first touch ball is just behind him.
3
It has been a good start from Manchester City who look bright and busy in the opening exchages but they are yet to trouble Chelsea.
1
Robinho's first act in English football is to give away a free-kick for leaning on Ricardo Carvalho, he stills gets a huge cheer.
1
Kickoff
Things are underway then with Mark Halsey tonight's official and whatever happens over the next couple of hours, it promises to be, at the very least, intriguing.
Awaiting Kickoff
The atmosphere is building nicely at Eastlands as the teams wait in the tunnel and when they finally appear it is going to explode.
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Michael Ball, Wright-Phillips, Hamann, Kompany, Ireland, Robinho, Jo
Awaiting Kickoff
Meanwhile Chelsea fans will be happy to see Didier Drogba on the bench after returning from injury but Nicolas Anelka starts up front today.
Awaiting Kickoff
The big news for the City fans here at Eastland is that British transfer record signing Robinho, fellow Brazilian Jo and Chelsea old-boy Shaun Wright-Phillips all start in attack.
Awaiting Kickoff
Welcome to a very excitable City of Manchester Stadium where the home fans are looking to usher in a new era with a victory over, now second richest club in the Barclays Premier League, Chelsea.
Manchester City
Chelsea
Full time
Full Time: MANCHESTER CITY 1-3 CHELSEA. A superb away day performance in the end from Chelsea who responded well to going behind to Robinho's early free-kick as they set about quietening a lively home crowd.
Danny Sturridge almost sets up a dramatic grandstand final few moments but is denied by a sterling block from Alex.
There will be three minutes of added time here.
City don't look like they have the ideas in them to open up this compact Chelsea backline now and the fans are starting to make their way away from the stadium.
Substitution
That is indeed Michael Ball's last action of the evening as he is replaced by a striker in Daniel Sturridge.
Good run from Ireland and he sets up a decent opportunity for Michael Ball but he curls it straight into the arms of Cech.
Stupidly John Terry gestured the scoreline to the home fans as he left the field and that is only risking landing himself in further trouble with the FA.
Substitution
Chelsea forced into a change by Terry's dismissal as Alex replaces Nicolas Anelka.
Red Card
John Terry has been sent off! However, it seems very very harsh as although he brought down Jo, Carvalho was covering (red card later rescinded by the FA). A chance for City again perhaps?
The third goal has really flattened the home crowd but Chelsea have been superb so far and have possibly shown City just how far they have to go yet.
Substitution
Chelsea are making a double change for the last twenty minutes as Belletti and the returning Drogba enter the fray in place of Joe Cole and Florent Malouda.
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-3 CHELSEA. Nicolas ANELKA finishes the argument now as he latches onto a clever through ball from Joe Cole to slide the ball past Joe Hart and give Chelsea a two-goal lead.
Again Chelsea able to manipulate the ball well and find Lampard in space on the edge of the box but Hart is behind this one to deny the midfielder.
Stunning defending from Carvalho! Wright-Phillips beats three and feeds it left for Ireland in space but Carvalho makes a lot of ground to produce a marvellous sliding block.
Chelsea still have to be wary of City on the attack because they are hugely unpredictable and Zabaleta finds himself on the edge of the box now but can only sky his shot comfortably over.
Substitution
City are making a change and its an attacking one as Dietmar Hamann is replaced by the industrious Gelson Fernandes.
Replays appear to suggest that Micah Richards was very fortunate there not to give away a penalty as he seemed to just shove Anelka to the ground.
Chelsea want a penalty and they might have a case! Lampard spots a clever, bending run from Anelka who brings it down well before being rather bundled over by Richards, but the referee is disinterested.
City almost in for an equaliser as Robinho robs Mikel in midfield before Jo tries to release Wright-hillips but the pass allows Ashley Cole back in to clear.
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-2 CHELSEA. Wright-Phillips almost finds Robinho but Chelsea instantly break with pace and precision and Frank LAMPARD fires his 150th career goal into the bottom corner to give Chelsea the lead.
Joe Cole has seen plenty of the ball today and his blocked shot ricochets to Lampard who can't quite keep a tough half-volley down.
Again it has been a bright start to the half, particularly from City who need to get the crowd back roaring behind them if they are to rock Chelsea again.
Second half
No changes for either side at the break and the second half is now underway.
Half time
Half Time: MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 CHELSEA. The home side were clearly up for the game from the start, as was their new hero Robinho, but Chelsea have gradually taken control of the game and were the better side for much of the first half.
A superb strike from Ashley Cole who had got a long way forward and from all of 25 yards he skims the top of the net with Hart well beaten.
Yellow Card
The first booking of the game goes to Jon Obi Mikel for chopping down Shaun Wright-Phillips who was on a superb little run.
Suicidal from Zabaleta! However he is lucky and gets away with it after blindly playing the ball across his penalty area straight to Anelka but Hart makes a good stop to bail out his team-mate.
Chelsea have been dominant since the goals and Malouda has yet another chance but yet again he fails miserably to find the target as he skews his header well wide.
After a frantic opening half hour or so the game has drifted into a bit of a lull for the time being with constant interruptions not helping proceedings.
More good work from City though, with the ball, as Wright-Phillips frees Jo on the right and he cuts inside to shoot only to see John Terry deflect it over.
The visitors are really starting to control the game now with their passing and City are having to work hard to win the ball back.
Big let off for City! Malouda is played on by Ball and is completely free in the box to head against the cross bar, even the rebound goes against Chelsea as it cannons back between Hart's legs and sticks like glue.
The football today has been a joy to behold at times already! Ireland plays it in for Jo who backheels it into the Irishman's run again but he can't keep his shot down and Chelsea escape.
Glorious chance for Anelka! Bosingwa cuts inside Ireland far too easily but Anelka dives towards the ball but fails to time it and heads well wide.
It has been a little forgotten amongst all the Robinho talk that Nicolas Anelka is returning to yet another former club - the City fans have not forgotten though as he is given a sarcastic cheer as he slices wildly.
Mark Hughes will be spitting feathers about conceding so quickly having taken a deserved lead but Chelsea now look in charge and comfortable having flattened the crowd somewhat.
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-1 CHELSEA. And there is the equaliser! As if on cue the ball bobbles around in the penalty area from a corner and Ricardo CARVALHO lashes is past a stranded Hart to get Chelsea level.
Chelsea could not avoid conceding in the opening 20 minutes then so now they are going to have to come out and try to stem the flow.
Goal
MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 CHELSEA. It will be ROBINHO - did you think it would be anyone else? - and it's brilliant! He bends hte ball into the corner of the net and Cech is left stranded.
Chance for Man City now the a free-kick on the edge of the box and Hamann, Jo and Robinho are circling with intent.
The first effort on target comes from Chelsea and the left boot of Frank Lampard but its a tame one and Joe Hart is comfortably behind it.
Chelsea know they are going to have to weather a bit of a storm from City who are obviously on a high with recent events and they seem happy just to absorb for the time being.
Good football from the hosts and Wright-Phillips almost has a chance as he makes a darting infield run but Jo's first touch ball is just behind him.
It has been a good start from Manchester City who look bright and busy in the opening exchages but they are yet to trouble Chelsea.
Robinho's first act in English football is to give away a free-kick for leaning on Ricardo Carvalho, he stills gets a huge cheer.
Kickoff
Things are underway then with Mark Halsey tonight's official and whatever happens over the next couple of hours, it promises to be, at the very least, intriguing.
Awaiting Kickoff
The atmosphere is building nicely at Eastlands as the teams wait in the tunnel and when they finally appear it is going to explode.
Awaiting Kickoff
Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole, Anelka, Malouda
Awaiting Kickoff
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Richards, Dunne, Michael Ball, Wright-Phillips, Hamann, Kompany, Ireland, Robinho, Jo
Awaiting Kickoff
Meanwhile Chelsea fans will be happy to see Didier Drogba on the bench after returning from injury but Nicolas Anelka starts up front today.
Awaiting Kickoff
The big news for the City fans here at Eastland is that British transfer record signing Robinho, fellow Brazilian Jo and Chelsea old-boy Shaun Wright-Phillips all start in attack.
Awaiting Kickoff
Welcome to a very excitable City of Manchester Stadium where the home fans are looking to usher in a new era with a victory over, now second richest club in the Barclays Premier League, Chelsea.